EDITOR’S NOTE: Robbie Anderman wrote a letter to the editor a few weeks ago about the murder of three women in the Wilno area. He also sent the letter to the Attorney General. She responded and Mr. Anderman wants to share her response.
Dear Robbie Anderman:
Thank you for your e-mail dated October 19, 2015, copied to John Yakabuski, MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, regarding the tragic deaths of three women in Renfrew County.
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Ontario government to extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and friends, as well as to the residents in the community of Wilno.
The government is unable to comment on a matter that is currently before the courts. Doing so could be interpreted as interfering with an ongoing case and could jeopardize the proceedings, which would be unfair to the victims, accused, witnesses and others who are involved.
I want to assure you that the government takes domestic violence offences very seriously. We are committed to continuing to work with community organizations and professionals in the health, education, and justice sectors to find ways to prevent domestic violence, to support victims, and to address the justice system response.
I also want to thank you for your comments regarding the Partner Assault Response program services delivered by Living Without Violence in Renfrew County. With respect to your concerns regarding cuts to the Living Without Violence program, I would like to confirm that they received an increase in funding from the ministry in 2014 to deliver additional services to court mandated individuals charged with offences related to domestic violence.
With respect to the issues you raise pertaining to probation and parole, I have taken the liberty of sharing a copy of your email and my response with my colleague, the Honourable Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, who is responsible for these areas to ensure that he is aware of your concerns.
With regard to increasing education and awareness with our school systems on the issue of violence, I have also shared your correspondence with the Honourable Liz Sandals, Minister of Education, and the Honourable Tracy MacCharles, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues and the Ontario Women’s Directorate (OWD). OWD works with women’s organizations and across government to end violence against women, support their safety, advance women’s equality, and improve their economic security.
The Ministry of the Attorney General remains committed to supporting victims of domestic violence and more specifically in this case, to help the community heal after such a devastating event that has touched so many within the community.
Thank you again for taking the time to write.
Sincerely,
Madeleine Meilleur
Attorney General
